2023 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2022 Kia K5

The 2022 Kia K5 was available in Canada in four trim levels: LX, EX, GT-Line, and GT. Each trim came with a turbocharged engine, with the LX, EX, and GT-Line featuring standard all-wheel-drive (AWD), while the GT's more powerful engine was paired with front-wheel drive (FWD) only. Prices ranged from $29,595 to $40,495, excluding a $1,800 destination charge. The K5's design was striking, with a low, long, and sleek profile that suggested a luxury sports sedan rather than a practical family car. The interior of the test car, a U.S.-specification K5 EX, featured Glacial White Pearl paint and an Ash Blue synthetic leather interior, which was not available in Canada. The cabin exuded an upscale feel, with polished metallic accents and matte-finish fake wood trim. The controls were solid and well-constructed, contributing to a sense of quality.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 was offered in both sedan and hatchback body styles, with the hatchback boasting a more daring design. The Mazda3's exterior featured rakish headlights and a large grille, with the hatchback's rear angles curving up around the rear window and doors, creating a futuristic look. Inside, the cabin continued the clean, futuristic theme, with a simple design and an infotainment system that rose organically from the dash. The conventional shifter design was a welcome choice, and the climate controls were easy to use. The steering wheel, though cluttered with controls, had an elegant design. The Mazda3 was available in GX, GS, GT, and GT Turbo trims, with various transmission and drivetrain options. Standard features included 16-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, and an 8.8-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2022 Kia K5 GT was the performance leader in its lineup, featuring a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. However, it was the most expensive and least efficient version, lacking AWD. The standard K5 engine was a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, delivering 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. Despite modest figures, the engine offered linear power delivery with minimal lag, thanks to torque availability between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm. The K5's fuel economy was rated at 8.2 L/100 km in combined driving, and during testing, it achieved 8.1 L/100 km. The K5's handling was decent, though not as engaging as competitors like the Honda Accord. Road noise was an issue, but wind noise was minimal due to the car's aerodynamic design.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a base Skyactiv-G 2.0-litre engine with 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque. A 2.5-litre engine was optional on GS and standard on GT, producing 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. The test model featured a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, delivering 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel. The Mazda3's driving experience was engaging, with well-weighted steering and a responsive transmission. Sport mode enhanced the driving dynamics, providing more forceful steering feedback and clever gear management. The Mazda3 excelled in handling, offering precision and refinement while maintaining ride comfort. The tap-shift function mirrored race-car sequential shifters, showcasing Mazda's attention to performance driving.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered comfort with dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The panoramic sunroof added natural light to the cabin. However, the low-slung design made entry and exit challenging. The front seats were comfortable, and the rear seats provided ample space unless the front seats were reclined too much. The K5's trunk offered 434 litres of cargo space, expandable with the 60/40-split folding rear seat. Storage solutions included a roomy centre bin, smartphone charging slot, and integrated door panel trays.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan provided 374 litres of cargo space, while the hatchback offered 569 litres. The rear seating area was cramped, with limited legroom and headroom due to the sloping roofline. The front seating area featured a centre console compartment with a sliding lid, and the ergonomics were user-friendly. The Mazda3's interior was designed for front-seat use, with the rear seats suitable for occasional use only.

The 2022 Kia K5 featured two infotainment systems. The LX and EX trims had an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GT-Line and GT trims had a 10.25-inch touchscreen, requiring a cable for smartphone integration. The system included satellite radio, Kia Connect services, navigation, and ambient noise tracks. A wireless smartphone charger was standard on most trims, and the GT trim had a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The voice recognition technology was lacking, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came with an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via a centre console dial. The system was not user-friendly, with clumsy menu navigation and a steep learning curve. The Home button's functionality was confusing when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The Mazda3 included two USB ports, HD radio, Bluetooth, and voice control. The test model had navigation, satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose stereo system, which provided excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Kia K5 excelled in safety, with features like forward-collision-avoidance assist, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Safe Exit Assist system and Kia Connect technology added to the safety suite. The K5 achieved a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3's standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The GS trim added features like automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warning. The GT trim included adaptive headlights and a 360-degree parking camera. The Mazda3's design posed a safety issue with a large blind spot due to the C-pillar. The IIHS rated it as a Top Safety Pick, and the NHTSA gave it five stars in front crash and rollover tests.